Photography

Choice of photography will play a key role in keeping communications feeling contemporary. Look for photographers whose style feels fresh and new.

To hire a photographer and schedule a photo shoot, contact James Aris.

To view the photo library, see instructions at the bottom of the column at right.

Online Photo Library

To provide cost-effective and high-quality imagery of the campus, staff/faculty, and students to use in HBS print and web publications, we offer a photo libary online.

Accessing Images:
You can access the photo database at the following address: http://hbs.merlinone.net/mx.

User account = HBSweb
Password = sch00l
(0's are zeros; last character is a lower case "L")


A How-To Guide is available here: How-To Guide (pdf).

Requesting Images:
The thumbnail images in the database are watermarked and intended for reference only. To obtain an image for use on the Web or in print, use the order form (shopping cart button) or contact Ailyn Pestana with a list of filenames (found above the photo in single-image view; see below).

Note that when you download an fpo image, the filename does not come with it, so you will need to keep track of those yourself. Please also include a description of the materials in which the photos will be used, and if it is a time-sensitive request, the date you need them by as well. Otherwise, we try to fill all requests within 2 business days.

filename

Usage Rights:
The usage rights for the images vary and are listed in the sidebar of each photo, listed under "Select Usage Rights". Be advised that most images will incur a fee for any use other than as part of marketing materials produced by the School (with the exception of club materials - see below).

If you are under budget constraints, we advise that you filter your search by usage rights using the featured content screen upon login or using saved searches in the sidebar. (Most parties on campus will find that "School-wide" is best - this will include Clubs & Unlimited photos as well.)

Student and Alumni Clubs:
The School has begun purchasing club usage for photo shoots whenever feasible, so that more photos will be available to the clubs without a fee. These photos can be found by: 

  1. following the link at the top of this page to the photo library,
  2. logging in as described above,
  3. and choosing "Clubs" from the "Select Usage Rights" menu under "Advanced Search" (at upper left of page).

File Sizes:
Although variable, the electronic files available can be offset printed up to a size of 4" x 6." If you are going to need a larger image, please allow enough time for us to locate the original image.

Please contact James Aris with questions.



Photo Style

photo style

A combination of thematic stock photos and custom photoshoots should be able to provide all necessary images. When choosing (and shooting) images, look for:

  • interesting, asymmetric compositions

  • "white" or negative space

  • utilize close crops

  • diversity of subjects both in race and gender

  • subject matter of off-campus images should be topical

Avoid excessive shots of campus architecture. Instead, choose classrooms, students, or natural elements (plants, sky, etc.).

When applicable, incorporate current event images to convey a theme or topic. Look for editorial images instead of banal "stock" images.

Lastly, use global images as much as possible. Try not to limit industry/initiative images to a U.S. focus.



Portraits

portrait style

Portraits should be forward-facing with the following attributes:

  • quiet composition

  • personal

  • looking toward camera

For student portraits, when possible use interesting backdrops such as artwork to create visual interest. Choosing interesting angles and tight shots will convey thoughtfulness and introspection.

Alumni portraits should be off-campus (to illustrate our impact in the real world) and, when at all possible, include props from their industry. When portraits occur on campus, choose interesting backgrounds such as artwork or the natural world.

Focus:
Create a point of focus such that the background blurs a bit, but avoid the image getting too "soft."

Expression:
Can be anything, really. Just try and capture your subject at ease, with their most natural expression.

Background:
Be creative, look for backgrounds that are graphic, quiet, or artful.

Proximity:
Try the extremes; either really close or really far can be unusual and wonderful.